This collaborative exploration with my Ukrainian cousin delves into the profound concept of the void—a space simultaneously elusive and palpable, transcending the boundaries of comprehension.

Inspired by Mark Levy's notion that nothing is separated from the void, I sought to embody this abstract realm through a visceral experience. In reading, "Void- in Art" by Levy, prompted reflections on the direct encounter with the void, challenging preconceived notions and prompting contemplation on the gap between thoughts.

Xanthi Tsiftsi's exploration of erasure in "Void, the Art of Erasure" contributed to the project's foundation, emphasizing the power of absence and the cathartic potential within the void. The idea that less is more resonates deeply, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences in relation to the void.

The heart of the project lies in a slide projector, casting black-and-white negatives on a timer, accompanied by an evocative audio narrative. The negatives, raw, chronicle my cousin's transformation—capturing moments before and after the war. Close-ups of her face, gestures, and movements offer a poignant portrayal of loss and ambiguity, reflecting the intangible nature of the void.

The choice of a hotel as the setting signifies displacement, loneliness, and the struggle for identity in an unfamiliar place. Inspired by Felix González-Torres, an empty bed becomes a poignant symbol of solitude, capturing the imprint of her experiences in a foreign land devoid of personal touch.

As she speaks in Ukrainian, a language foreign to most, a profound silence envelops the installation. This deliberate act allows for introspection, inviting viewers to sit with the discomfort of the void. The intentional use of silence and the unfamiliar language becomes a conduit for empathy, fostering connection and understanding.

The negatives, projected without manipulation, highlight the raw and unfiltered nature of the captured moments. Scratched with scissors, they symbolize the decay of memory, mirroring the transformation my cousin underwent as she grappled with her identity and the impact of war.

"Documentation of the Void" is a testament to the human experience in the face of the incomprehensible. By embracing the void, we invite viewers to confront their own uncertainties, fostering connection through shared vulnerability and a shared acknowledgment that some aspects of the void are meant to be encountered, not fully understood. The project serves as an active process of healing, challenging perceptions and inviting viewers to engage with the unseen spaces that define the human condition.